No-bake protein powder bars

A good protein bar is instantly energizing when you've had a long day or need some healthy fuel. While protein bars are delightful, they are often expensive and occasionally have ingredients with which you are unfamiliar. Why not save some money and know exactly what's in your pumped up snack? Make your own no-bake protein bars with this simple and amazingly tasty recipe using the protein powder you already have at home:

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats, divided
• 1/4 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth
• 4 scoops VeganSmart All-In-One Nutritional Shake, Vanilla
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
Pulse 1 cup of oats in the food processor to make oat flour. Mix together the flour, remaining oats, peanut butter, protein powder, dry milk, flax seed meal, vanilla and 1/4 cup water. Pour the mixture into a wax paper-lined 5-inch by 8-inch loaf pan and press down with another piece of wax paper. Press the chopped almonds into the mixture, then carefully melt the chocolate chips and pour them over the almonds. Put the pan in the freezer for at least 15 minutes, then cut the firm mixture into six bars. The bars can be stored in the refrigerator in wax paper for up to one week or in the freezer for three months.